SCIO briefing on China's policy on the Arctic

Chairperson: Hu Kaihong, spokesperson of the State Council Information Office of China

Date:Jan. 26, 2018

Hu Kaihong:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference.

Today, the State Council Information Office (SCIO) released a white paper on China's Arctic policy. We are taking this opportunity to hold a press conference to introduce the white paper's main content and China's Arctic policy.

Present at today's press conference is Mr. Kong Xuanyou, the vice minister of foreign affairs. I'm Hu Kaihong, the spokesperson of the SCIO.

Now, I'd like to make a brief introduction to the white paper. The white paper is the first one introducing China's Arctic policy, underscoring the region's significance in world affairs.

China is a major stakeholder in affairs related to the Arctic. The white paper explains our stance on this issue, and makes a thorough introduction of our policy goals, basic principles, and policies and positions on participating in Arctic affairs.

The white paper contains approximately 9,000 words, which are divided into three parts – the foreword, main content and conclusion. It advocates active participation by all relevant parties so as to promote sound governance in the Arctic.

As far as regional affairs are concerned, China has been a participant, builder and contributor. As a responsible major country, in accordance with the principle of "respect, cooperation, win-win result and sustainability," China is ready to cooperate with all relevant parties to seize the historic opportunity in the development of the Arctic, to address the challenges brought by the changes in the region.

China would like to jointly understand, protect, develop and participate in the governance of the Arctic, and advance Arctic-related cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, thus promoting the building of a community of shared future for mankind, and making a greater contribution to the peaceful, stable and sustainable development of the Arctic.

The white paper is available in eight languages, including Chinese, English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese. The Chinese version is published by the People's Press, and the others by the Foreign Languages Press. You can find a copy in any branch of the Xinhua Bookstore nationwide.